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Camp Bisco Day 2: Wu Massacre, Biscuits Bombs

Ghostface Killah photo by Chris Paul

The momentum continued to build at Camp Bisco on day two. Things started off on the main stages with Constellations, then Beats Antique, Earl Greyhound and RAQ (RAQ guitarist Chris Michetti toured with the Disco Biscuits when Biscuits guitarist Jon Gutwillig injured his wrist earlier this year). Following RAQ came the break-out set of the day from Colorado-based Big Gigantic. This band features Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken and the crowd swelled in front of the stage and broke like a wave in unison as this dj/saxophone and drum duo laid it down. After Big Gigantic came the highly anticipated performance by Wu Massacre (Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon). Due to unforeseen circumstances, their set started almost 40 minutes late, but once up and running they were indeed, a force of nature. Not to overlook the other stages, Ithaca, NY four-piece Jimkata then performed on the Local (Hill) Stage to the delight of their loyal fan-base in attendance.

Before beginning their first set Disco Biscuits bassist Marc Brownstein stated, with a large grin, “Hey Camp Bisco, this is crazy, that’s all I got to say”. The band then delivered a completely segued set that started and ended with “Morph Dusseldorf” (Morph Dusseldorf > Spaga> Abraxas> Voices Insane> Spaga> Morph Dusseldorf). During set break Bassnectar delivered a primal throw down and the energy was palpable. The second set, which opened with “7-11,” included the debut of the original composition “Bombs.” Before the last song of the night, “Naeba,” Brownstein acknowledged the audience-selected setlist (as he had the night before ) by stating that this song was one of those that had the most votes, and that they couldn’t wait to play it because they knew everyone wanted to hear it. Before ending the set, Brownstein, recorded a commemorative crowd group shot with a video camera provided by Relix. Late night in the tent stage began with Diplo and then reached a crescendo with a monster performance by the New Deal.

Early reports at the gate on Saturday, suggest that the property has reached near-capacity and Camp Bisco will, most likely, be sold out by 2:00pm.

In the end, it comes down to: You have to be smart, networked, and often, teahniccl. The vast majority of people aren’t. And no government program, self-help book, or nonprofit initiative is going to fix that for the nation, especially in an era of globalization, with an ever savvier China, India, etc., competing for U.S. jobs. Some problems can’t be solved. I believe this is one. It’s wise to tackle a problem that while important, also has a decent shot at being solvable. I’d sooner bet on finding a cure for cancer.